Training volunteer roles

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

The branch are looking for indoor fosterers so applicants would need to have a suitable spare room.

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for! 

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Why we want you

Are you a great communicator who enjoys bringing people together? Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. We need great organisers who can keep our members and volunteers connected to our local group’s range of activities.

What you will be doing

• Help organise and promote the groups range of activities
• Keep up to date about the news and developments of Parkinson's UK more widely, sharing these with the group
• Encourage and inspire others to engage with activities
• Attend regular committee meetings and take and circulate notes
• Work with local Parkinson's UK staff to ensure the group runs within Parkinson's UK governance procedures

The skills you need

• Strong administrative, organisational, communication and IT skills to help keep the group running smoothly
• Good collaboration skills - support the team to be inclusive, open to a diversity of views
• Positive attitude; making things happen in your local community and bringing people together to work as a team
• Supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided
• Honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group

What's in it for you

• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson’s, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections
• You'll be part of a pioneering organisation, committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - in your local area and beyond
• Gain valuable organisational, administrative and people skills

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. As a Secretary you would be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete and maintain your data protection and confidentiality training. As part of recruitment, you will be asked to provide a reference for this role. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this.

Fundraising Volunteer OXFORDSHIRE

Do you have bags of enthusiasm and are good at organising events? If yes, volunteer for the RSPCA as a Fundraiser and have fun and meet new people whilst raising vital funds for animals in need in your area!

Overview of opportunity

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you will play a vital part, in organising and assisting with our fundraising activities. All the proceeds from these activities go directly towards the essential animal welfare work that we do at branch level.

The RSPCA OXFORSHIRE Branch

The OXFORDSHIRE Branch was founded int 1875 we have been saving animals for over 150 years and are proud to be one of the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The OXFORDSHIRE Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Fundraising Volunteer responsibilities

· Organise, advertise, and promote fundraising activities to raise vital funds to improve animal welfare.

· Plan and participate in organised events for fundraising over an agreed period.

· Communicate all planned activities with staff and other volunteers.

· Work alongside other volunteers, staff, and members of the public, ensuring excellent customer service at all times.

· Ensure best practice in fundraising and that it is legally compliant.

What we are looking for in a Fundraising Volunteer

· Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment.

· Lots of enthusiasm to help us raise much needed funds

· Good communication and organisational skills

· Friendly and approachable

· Ability to work on own initiative

What we can offer you as a Fundraising Volunteer

· You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your area.

· Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.

· Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and training programme.

· Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

Job Summary

Trans Celebration is seeking a passionate and organised Volunteer Assistant Coordinator to support the Volunteer Coordinator in managing and engaging our growing team of volunteers. This role will help ensure that our community-driven events and initiatives run smoothly by assisting in volunteer recruitment, onboarding, scheduling, and support.

As a key point of contact for our volunteer team, the ideal candidate will be enthusiastic about community work, skilled in communication and organisation, and committed to advancing trans rights and visibility.

Key Responsibilities

· Assist with recruiting, onboarding, and training new volunteers.

· Maintain volunteer schedules and ensure appropriate coverage for events and campaigns.

· Serve as a liaison between volunteers and staff, aligning volunteer work with Trans Celebration’s mission.

· Provide on-site and remote support to volunteers during programs and events.

· Keep accurate records of volunteer hours, roles, and impact.

· Help implement volunteer appreciation initiatives to boost engagement and retention.

What We’re Looking For

Skills and Competencies:

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

· Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask effectively.

· Detail-oriented and able to problem-solve independently.

· Ability to collaborate well in a team environment and work autonomously when needed.

· Proficiency in written and spoken English.

Personal Attributes:

· Passionate about trans rights, volunteerism, and grassroots activism.

· Approachable and friendly, with a strong focus on creating a welcoming environment.

· Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as needed.

· Prior experience in volunteer coordination, community engagement, customer service, or admin work is a plus.

Work Environment

· Office-based work with some on-site coordination at events and campaign activations.

· Light physical activity may be involved (e.g. setting up materials, managing event logistics).

Language Requirements

· Fluency in English (spoken and written) is essential.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit:

· A cover letter detailing your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with the mission of Trans Celebration.

· A current CV or resume.

Job Title: Social Hub Volunteer

Location: Watford

Hours: Tuesday 11-2pm

About Us:

Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership is a dedicated refugee, asylum seeker and immigrant support organisation committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for people in the local community. We provide a range of services including social, advice, and practical support to help individuals rebuild their lives.

Role Overview:

We are seeking a compassionate and reliable Social Hub Volunteer to support our drop-in social hub for male refugees and asylum seekers. The hub provides a safe, friendly space for connection, conversation, activities, and social support. This role is crucial in helping clients feel welcomed and part of a community.

Key Responsibilities:

· Welcome and engage with clients (especially single, male) attending the social hub

· Facilitate informal conversations, offering a listening ear, activities such as games, group discussions, or workshops.

· Assist with the setup and cleanup of the hub space

· Help ensure the space remains safe, inclusive, and respectful

· Work collaboratively with staff and other volunteers

· Maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality

Person Specification:

· Friendly, approachable, and respectful with good interpersonal and communication skills

· Patience, empathy, and a non-judgmental attitude

· Commitment to equality, inclusion, and safeguarding

· Previous experience in community work or support roles is desirable but not essential

What We Offer:

· Induction, training and ongoing support

· A welcoming and inclusive team environment

· The opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others

To Apply:

Please apply with your CV through Charity Jobs we particularly welcome male applicants and those from diverse backgrounds.

HELP US CREATE COMMUNITIES

The Art Ministry are looking for people to join our Board of Trustees

What we do

We are a well established and respected creative charity who believes that anyone can enjoy good mental health and wellbeing by engaging in creative activities.

We provide regular art and craft sessions for children and adults with a wide variety of needs.

We extend our reach by providing sessions for partners, including local schools, Southend in Sight, Sanctuary Housing and South Essex Homes.

We engage with the wider community by providing art and craft activities at local events, by offering volunteering and employment opportunities, and holding exhibitions.

Who we need

We need people with experience of finance, HR, fundraising, event management, digital engagement, PR, partnerships, and/or delivering creative services.

We need creative thinkers who can work collaboratively to provide the leadership that The Art Ministry needs to achieve its strategic objective of helping even more members of the local community improve their mental health and wellbeing by engaging in creative activities.

You will need to commit to at least 4 hours a month, including at least 4 trustee meetings a year.

If you have the skills, experience and time that we need then please get in touch.

You do not need previous board or senior management experience. We don’t expect any one person to meet all our needs!

What we will give you

We will validate your suitability for the role through an interview, reference and security checks.

We will provide you with an induction to The Art Ministry and appropriate training, software and memberships, to help you fulfil your role. We will reimburse your pre-agreed expenses.

You will have the opportunity to help shape the strategic direction of The Art Ministry as well as ensure that it meets its day to day operational objectives and to network with others in the third sector.

The Art Ministry, Reg. Charity No.: 1108227, 1 Church Road, Hadleigh, Essex, SS7 2DQ

Join the Fight for Change – Help Us Build Stronger, More Inclusive Communities

WBC Cares UK is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of boxing. We use sport to empower young people, support those with disabilities or mental health challenges, and uplift individuals facing poverty, homelessness, and social exclusion. From community-based gyms to school outreach, mentoring, and essential aid, our mission is rooted in compassion, inclusion, and resilience. 

We’re looking for friendly, committed Volunteer Youth Hub Workers to help run sessions at our Lancing Youth Hub, a safe and welcoming space for young people aged 11–18.

About the Role:
As a Volunteer Youth Hub Worker, you’ll help create a positive environment where young people feel heard, supported, and empowered. You’ll be part of a team running games, activities, discussions, and workshops that promote confidence, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Location: Lancing Youth Hub, West Sussex
Hours: 1–2 evenings per week (typically 2–3 hours per session)
Commitment: Ideally 3–6 months minimum, with flexibility

What You’ll Do:

• Welcome and engage young people attending the hub

• Support activities such as games, creative projects, or discussions

• Build supportive, appropriate relationships with young people

• Help maintain a safe, inclusive space

• Assist with setup, pack-down, and general session support

• Work alongside staff and fellow volunteers as part of a team

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, patient, and respectful attitude

• Genuine interest in working with young people from diverse backgrounds

• Good communication and teamwork skills

• Reliability and a willingness to learn

• Experience in youth or community work is helpful but not required

• Must be willing to undergo a DBS check (we can help arrange this)

What You’ll Gain:

• Valuable experience in youth work and community engagement

• Training and ongoing support from our team

• The opportunity to make a real difference in young people’s lives

• Be part of a caring, motivated charity community

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need. 

Since our first project based in Borneo in 2009, we have helped over 50,000 animals across the globe. We provide a lifeline to dogs and cats every year in need of veterinary care and support via humane dog and cat population projects. We also provide aid to companion animals, working donkeys, and endangered wildlife.

As a small charity, who has big plans, we can’t do it without the support of volunteers and fundraisers.

That’s where you come in! - Join Our Team and Make a Difference!

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for a rewarding way to contribute? Become a key part of our monthly online auctions and help raise vital funds for our cause!

As a Donation Support Officer, you'll play a crucial role in collecting items for our auctions, which take place in our Facebook group each month.

What You'll Do:

• Engage your network: Reach out to friends, family, and colleagues to gather preloved items for auction. You’ll help give things a second life while raising funds for animals in need!

• Connect with your community: Tap into local Freecycle groups, social media, and even your neighborhood to find exciting items to auction.

• Reach out to businesses: Approach local businesses for new, unused donations. It could be products, services, or gift cards that can help boost the auction's success.

• Spread the word: Share the auctions within your network to encourage bidding and excitement around the cause.

Why Volunteer with Us?

• Make a real impact: Every item you help secure means more funds for our charity, which go toward animal care, rescue operations, and rehoming programs.

• Flexible commitment: You can volunteer from the comfort of your own home and set your own pace. We are looking for around 1-3hrs per week and while some tasks may be time sensitive the majority of the role will be flexible. 

• Support & Training: You’ll join a small friendly team and we will provide guidance to help you succeed in your role.

Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.

Multiple locations available across:

• Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
• Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
• Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
• Wales (RAF Valley)
• Wiltshire (Boscombe Down)
• Hampshire (RAF Odiham)

MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:

· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops

· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment

· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions

· Engaging in learning and play with younger children

· Working with children and young people to track their progress

· Data entry/light admin work may be required

YOU WILL NEED:

· Good communication skills

· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families

· Ability to engage with young people

· Team player with a flexible approach

· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families

· Any practical skills to assist with activities

· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding

· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values 

YOU WILL RECEIVE: 

· A full induction to Airplay will be provided

· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety

· A menu of optional training will be provided

· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s

· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events

· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check

· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations

· Two references will be required

Location: Worldwide

Term: Voluntary – Unpaid (reasonable travel expenses can be claimed)

Closing date: 31st July 2025

Inspired by the Islamic faith and guided by our values, we envisage a caring world where communities are empowered, social obligations are fulfilled, and people respond as one to the suffering of others.

We provide lasting routes out of poverty, empowering people to transform their lives and serving all communities without prejudice.

As an independent faith-based humanitarian and development organisation, Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) has been serving humanity for 41 years. With an active presence in over 40 countries across the globe, we strive to make the world a better and fairer place for the three billion people still living in poverty.

Since we were founded in 1984, Islamic Relief has grown into one of the world’s largest relief and development charities, touching the lives of over 120 million people.

Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) is seeking to appoint 1 (one) individual to join our International General Assembly (IGA).

Following appointment to the IGA, independent members are eligible for nomination to the BoT after 1 year as an IGA independent member.

Appointments on the BoT are for a 4-year term limit.

The IGA is the highest body of the new Islamic Relief Worldwide governance structure and consists mainly of representatives elected by Islamic Relief family members across five continents, creating a body that is truly globally representative.  It is from the IGA that IRW draws its trustees.

We would like to hear from exceptional applicants with considerable experience and specialist knowledge in a range of professional backgrounds: law, accountancy, audit, humanitarian programming, PR/communications, marketing or fundraising, IT, charity financial policy and strategy, shariah compliance. Those selected will play a vital role in IRW’s strategic work and in helping us respond to key challenges.

As a member of the IGA, it is expected you will be fully committed to the organisational objectives of IRW, sharing our vision, mission and values.  You will be expected to attend meetings and be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role and to act in the best interest of IRW’s work and its rightsholders.

The Role

Key responsibilities:

• Participate in the oversight of  the organisation in accordance with its statutory obligations, making sure that IRW satisfies its regulatory and legal requirements as a charity
• Act in a manner which supports the organisation in meeting aims and objectives as set out in IRW governing documents, and in ensuring IRW long-term security
• Focus on strategic planning and governance when setting IRW priorities and objectives
• Participate in the approval of annual plans, strategies and budgets

• Support the financial stability of the charity and contribute to its effective and efficient administration, reviewing and approving financial strategies and monitoring income and expenditure, to ensure the organisation is in good financial health
• Promote IRW’s vision, mission and values and demonstrate IRW’s values in all of the IGA’s work.

About You

We are seeking exceptional candidates with a breadth of leadership experience who can enhance the strategic development of IRW and have the following skills and qualities:

• A deep commitment and passion for IRW’s faith inspired values, vision and mission
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship  
• Considerable professional experience and specialist knowledge in one or more of the following – law, accountancy, audit, humanitarian programming, PR/communications, marketing or fundraising, IT, charity financial policy and strategy, shariah compliance
• Strategic vision and critical thinking skills
• Skills in problem solving and conflict resolution
• Legislative and operating framework for charities/voluntary and community sector organisations, especially an understanding of Charity Commission requirements
• A good understanding of the context IRW operates within
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; enjoys teamwork
• Willing to be an ambassador for IRW
• Demonstrates past public conduct, statements and behaviour that are in line with IRW’s values and expectations of the role

If you are interested in these roles, please review the information pack before applying.

How to apply:

To make your application for the IGA position, please visit the link for instructions.

The deadline for applications is: 31st July 2025.

PLEASE NOTE: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications without a cover letter will not be accepted.

Pre-appointment checks:

Any appointment with Islamic Relief will be subject to the following checks:

• Enhanced screening clearance
• Receipt of satisfactory references including the Inter-Agency Misconduct Scheme Reference
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check
• Personal social media review

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

IRW is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom IRW engages. IRW expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

The term will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records checks. IRW also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.

In line with this Scheme, we will request information from every applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Communications and Administration Co-ordinator

Hours: Either 5 days a week, 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday or reduced hours to suit but covering the core hours of 9am- 3pm, Monday to Friday.

Salary: FTE from £35,327 p/a

Location: CDS UK London Office

OVERVIEW

This is an exciting opportunity to join our small, friendly team and to use your skills to develop our administration and communications function which is central to the smooth running of the organisation as it continues to grow. You will be working with a committed group of people, including clinicians working in all areas of the country, and making a real difference to the lives of patients.

CDS UK (the Clinic for Dissociative Studies) is a specialist psychotherapy service established in 1998, offering assessment and long-term specialist outpatient treatment to people with dissociative disorders, in particular dissociative identity disorder (DID - formerly called multiple personality disorder). Our patients have often suffered the most extreme forms of abuse and represent one of the most vulnerable and complex client groups. Whilst many of the tasks involved in the role are straightforward, there can be some emotional impact from working in this difficult field, so resilience is important.

CDS UK is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and an Independent Provider to the NHS and is subcontracted by NHS commissioning organisations nationally on a discretionary per-patient basis, where local mental health services are unable to provide appropriate treatment.

JOB DESCRIPTION

To act as a first point of contact for CDS UK and to support the smooth running of the administrative function within the organisation. Your role will also focus on ensuring a high quality of communication with our associates, patients, existing and prospective commissioners. You will provide support ranging from answering patient enquiries sourcing rooms for patients, greeting visitors to the building and registering new referrals as well as taking simple minutes of our weekly clinical meeting. Additionally, you will be responsible for ensuring that our website is up to date, compiling internal communications such as our newsletter and building our external company profile by increasing our LinkedIn presence.

Key Duties

Enquiries

· Acting as first point of contact when dealing with enquiries from potential patients and referrers and responding in an appropriate and timely manner using standard response templates where possible.

· Distributing telephone and email messages as appropriate and using initiative to pass these promptly to the appropriate member of the team, using judgement on urgency.

· Demonstrating an understanding and reassuring manner when dealing with patients and those related to their care.

· Ensuring a good understanding of CDS UK confidentiality policies and maintain these in all interactions with patients, professionals and other external parties.

Referrals

· Logging all new referrals onto CDS UK’s filing system and completing associated administrative tasks - e.g. creating an electronic folder, patient information sheet and sending acknowledgement letters.

· Ad hoc obtaining of additional medical records relating to referral patients (in liaison with Project, Office and Referrals Manager).

Assessments and Treatment

· Ensuring timely sending of all outcome measures, logging when these are received, and forwarding on to research team.

· Sourcing and confirming rooms needed for both one-off assessments and those needed for weekly therapy sessions.

Recruitment and Onboarding

· Setting up interview panels: finding dates; confirming with attendees; providing copies of relevant documentation and filing confidential information appropriately.

· Managing the onboarding process: ensuring new staff and associates have DBS checks; taking up and circulating references; administering new starter forms; ensuring contracts are in place.

Communication

· To support the Business & Operations Director in the development of a communication and public relations strategy and assist with implementation.

External communication (Online presence)

· Ensuring all content on the website, is accurate and up to date. Regularly spot checking to ensure that the website is functioning properly. Escalating appropriately to identify if changes need to be made.

· Ensuring any new material to be sent externally is CDS branded and of a high standard.

· To manage the CDS LinkedIn account and any future suitable other Social Media sites, to ensure that regular, relevant, high-quality content is posted to raise awareness of the work CDS does to both Commissioners, potential new Core Staff & Associates, other Health Care Professionals and people who may experience DID.

· To manage the LinkedIn account followers, connecting with relevant professionals to increase our reach.

Internal Communication

· To support the engagement of both core staff & associates by ensuring regular communication such as the newsletter is compiled and sent out in a timely fashion

· To support with the planning of staff team building sessions and CDS organised team social events when asked to. Sourcing venues, inviting associates and ensuring that the planning does not exceed the stated budget.

Agenda-setting and minute-taking

· Organising and circulating the agenda for weekly clinical meetings.

· Taking concise and accurate minutes, circulating to colleagues and filing appropriately.

Electronic filing

· Ensuring electronic files are correctly structured and up to date.

· Undertaking a data cleansing role to ensure quality, consistency and accuracy of information in line with CDS UK’s data retention policy.

General Administration

· Warmly welcoming patients, professionals and visitors to the building, showing them the facilities and offering refreshments.

· Sorting and distribution of all incoming post.

· Typing and editing reports/letters for clinical staff.

· Attending monthly internal business meetings and maintaining an action log.

· Arranging refreshments for meetings as required.

· Booking travel and accommodation where needed.

· General office duties including filing and photocopying as required.

Projects

· To support the Business & Administration team with projects as and when required during seasonally quieter periods.

Other Duties

· Along with other admin staff, ensuring the building is clean, tidy and well-organised.

· Covering for the Executive Assistant when they are absent.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

Thank you for your interest to become a Fosterer at Cats Protection! We are looking for volunteers to foster cats and kittens in the South Ayrshire area of Scotland.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

• You must live in the South Ayrshire area of Scotland
• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home (separate room minimum size 3.6m squared - essential to meet UK animal welfare standards)
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.